current events >> DECEMBER

December started with a funeral for my grandma and then a trip down south with a second funeral and her burial. It wasn't exactly an ideal way to start a month, but I am reminded once again that even hard times have their beauty. While goodbyes are hard, it was a joy to celebrate her life and to rejoice that grandma is finally home. With all of that going on and the usual craziness of Christmas the month of December has flown by. Here's a little glimpse.



ACCOMPLISHED >> A lot of shopping for Christmas gifts! Boy am I glad it's over. The family has already agreed to simplify Christmas next year and change things up a bit from the normal gift giving.


TRIED >> A one pan skillet lasagna recipe. It definitely wasn't a keeper. Not a thought out recipe at all!


LEARNED >> The presence of family will forever be far greater than any presents at Christmastime. It was wonderful being together with all 4 siblings, 2 brothers-in-law, both parents, nephew (soon to be 2!), and niece. Time together is always so precious and as we get older and grow our family it just gets sweeter.


READ >> This month I read “Stepping Heavenward” by Elizabeth Prentiss. I was really enjoying it at first, but about three quarters of the way through, I felt like it was just dragging on and I was anxious to start something new. It may have just felt like it lasted for forever though since it was so busy and I didn't have much time to devote to reading it.


GONE >> North Carolina. As I mentioned in opening we traveled down there for the second funeral and burial of my grandma. We were reunited with family we haven't seen in years and were able to go back to where our story really started up in the hills of the North Carolina mountains. What a dear and special place. While we were there we actually got snowed in, but it was a nice unexpected break.


PLANNED >> 2018 goals! I can't believe it's already that time of the year! I have a lot of ideas for 2018 and I'm hoping to get it all in! I'm really looking forward to a new year. It's a fresh slate and a 365+ days of opportunities.


CREATED >> Christmas presents. This year I actually made 4 Christmas presents. All of them were signs, but each of them were different in their own way. I hope each person who received a hand crafted gift enjoys them as much I enjoyed making them!


PHOTOGRAPHED >> Two winter mini sessions. One maternity and one senior. It was soooo cold, but I love the results! I'll share soon!!


STARTED>> putting a portfolio together of pictures for a website. I also started working on my photography business stuff again too. It's time to get really serious about this!


LOOKING AHEAD >> JANUARY
+ starting working on those new years goals!
+ figure out what I'm going to do on my blog for 2018. Should I keep doing posts like these or try something new? What do y'all think?
+start working on posts about all the trips I've taken in 2017



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